Nongame birds

Abstract

The Savannah River Site (SRS) provides habitat for an impressive array of avian species. During its fifty-year existence, 259 bird species have been recorded there (Mayer et al. 1997 and unpublished data). This figure represents more than two thirds of the 379 species on the South Carolina state list (McNair and Post 1993). Explanations for SRS's diverse avifauna include its location along the Savannah River migratory flyway, its predominantly forested landscape (in stark contrast to the surrounding counties; see figure 1.7), and the great diversity of habitat types on the site. SRS habitats span a continuum from xeric longleaf pine-turkey oak (see appendix for scientific names of plants) sandhills to hydric cypresstupelo forests and from early successional pine regeneration stands to mature bottomland hardwood forests. The urban or developed habitats of the facilities areas and the lacustrine habitats of the cooling reservoirs add to the habitat diversity and support many species.

Citation

Kilgo, John C.; Bryan, A. Lawrence, Jr. 2005. Nongame birds. In: Kilgo, J.C.; Blake, J.I. eds. Ecology and management of a forested landscape. Washington, DC: Island Press. 223-252. Chapter 4.